4.1.

LIMITS OF FUNCTIONS 73

Theorem (4.1.5). If f : A ! R and c is a cluster point of A, then f

can have at most (not “only”) one limit at c.
Proof. Suppose lim f (x) = L and lim f (x) = M . Let ✏ > 0 be given.
x!c x!c
Since lim f (x) = L,
x!c
✏
9 1 > 0 3 x 2 A and 0 < |x c| < 1 =) |f (x) L| < .
2
Since lim f (x) = M ,
x!c
✏
9 2 > 0 3 x 2 A and 0 < |x c| < 2 =) |f (x) M| < .
2
Let = min 1, 2 . Then, for x 2 A and 0 < |x c| < ,
✏ ✏
|L M | = |(L f (x)) + (f (x) M )|  |f (x) L| + |f (x) M | < + = ✏.
2 2
Since ✏ is arbitrary, |L M | = 0 =) L = M . ⇤
Theorem (4.1.6). Let f : A ! R and c be a cluster point of A. Then
lim f (x) = L () 8 ✏-neighborhood V✏(L) of L, 9 a -neighborhood V (c)
x!c
of c 3 if x 6= c is any point in V (c) \ A, then f (x) belongs to V✏(L).
Example.
(1) lim (3x) = 3c.
x!c

Proof. Given ✏ > 0.

[To find > 0 3 0 < |x c| < =) |3x 3c| < ✏.] Now
✏
|3x 3c| = 3|x c| < ✏ () |x 3| < .
3
✏
Take = . Then 0 < |x c| < =) |3x 3c| < ✏. ⇤
3
(2) lim a = a.
x!c

Proof. Given ✏ > 0, |a a| = 0 < ✏ 8 > 0. ⇤